Baby carriage



A. G. FELDMAN BABY CARRIAGE July 16, 1940.

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BABY CARRIAGE Filed March '6, 1939 '5 Sheets-Sheet 3 g2 m* !'ll///// W f 24,7425 0 I if 69 7j Patented July 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BABY CARRIAGE Abraham G. Feldman, Chicago, Ill., assignor toV Storkline Furniture Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application March 6, 1939, Serial No. 260,067

l Claims.

The present invention relates to baby carriages, and is particularly concerned with baby carriages of the collapsible type.

One of the objects of the invention is the provision of an improved baby carriage of the co1- lapsible type having a collapsible frame and provided with springs, in which the springs are not only utilized for springing the vehicle, but the springs are tensioned by the opening of thevcollapsible frame in such manner as to improve the spring characteristics of the vehicle and so that the collapsible frame may be v latched 'in open position rand urged to folded position by the action of the springs.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved collapsible baby carriage of the spring type, in which the collapsible frame is adapted to fold into the space within the springs, and due to its structure and arrangement it is adapted to fold into a minimum amount of space.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved baby carriage of the collapsible type, which is provided with an adjustable foot well adaptedto be supported at a plurality of different elevations so that the foot support of the occupant may be atthe same heightas the seat of the vehicle, or it may be lowered in position to use the carriage as a stroller.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved carriage of the collapsibletype having an adjustable foot panel, which may also be utilized as a back rest, and which is provided with means for extension ofthe foot space to ac, commodate occupants of larger size, or for th storage of merchandise.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved brake structure for collapsible baby carriages, which is adapted to simplify the construction of the lower wheel frame, and which is provided with a pair of convenient actuating levers, one for setting the brake, and the other for releasing the same, whichlevers areilocated rearwardly of the rear axle and toward the right of the vehicle in the position most readily accessible to the foot of the operator.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved baby carriage of the collapsible type, provided with an improved collapsible frame adapted to be actuated by the handle of the carriage, and an improved latching means for holding the frame in open position, which is so constructed that it is more conveniently operated by the foot of the operator. l

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description (Cl. 28o- 36) and the4 accompanying drawings, in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, of which there are three sheets,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of a baby carriage constructed according to the present invention, with the frame in open position;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, with the collapsible frame folded.;`

Fig. -3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the brake mechanism as it appears on a plane taken just below the fabric basket;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary `vertical sectional view, taken on theplane of the line 4-4 of Fig..3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view, with the foot well in the alternative position which it assumes when it is desired to use the carriage as a stroller;

Fig. 6 is a rear elevational view of the rear panel of the basket, with the panel in its uppermost position;

Fig. 'Z is a fragmentary view in partial section, taken on the plane of the line 1-1 of Fig. l, looking in the direction of the arrows, showingthe details of structure of the latch for holding the frame in open position.

The chassis of the baby carriage preferably comprises a pair of wheel axles 20, 2|, which may consist of steel rods, anda pair of springs 22, 23, which may consist of flat steel bands. The axles 20, 2| may be secured to the springs 22, 23 by the U-shaped metal brackets 24, each of which has a pair of laterally projecting attaching ilanges 25, riveted or otherwise secured to the springs 22, 23.

The brackets 24 have the central U-shaped portion of a size adapted to t about the axles 2D, 2|, and of such length that the axle is xedly clamped to the spring 22 or 23`by bracket 24. Axles 2|] and 2| are spaced on springs 22,23 by a distance slightly greater than the sum of the radii of the wheels 26, in order that the front and rear wheels may be spaced from each other, and in order to make room for the brake mechanism.

The'axles 20, 2| are of greater length than the width of the vehicle, and project beyond the springs 22, 23 at each side, in order to provide sufiicient length vof axle to support a wheel at each end of the rods 20, 2|.

Any suitable type of baby carriage wheel may be applied, the type shown comprising a suitable metalhub rotatably mounted on the axle 20, wire spokes, a metal rim, and a solid rubber tire. The

ends of the axles 2&1, 2l are provided with transverse apertures for receiving cotter pins, which are used with washers for holding the wheels on the axles, and the cotter pins are covered by suitable stamped sheet metal shields.

In addition to the axles and springs, the chassis also preferably includes the brake beam 2, comprising a pair of steel bands which are riveted together at the cen-ter by rivet 28 and which are secured and pivotally mounted on the springs 22, 23 by rivets 29 as shown in Fig. 3.

In order to have'the .brake beam in proper position to flex and engage the wheels at itsv flatV end portions 3G, it is disposed in ythe vertical plane and has a pair of ninety degree twisted portions 3l, 32 adjacent each spring, bringing ,f

the portion 3 into parallelism kwith the adjacent Spring to be secured by rivet 23. l Y

The bands of which the brake beam is made overlap each other at the middle, the end of each band extending to the point 3d adjacent the opposite side ofthe carriage so that the brake beam is doubled in thickness throughout the major portion of the beam,.to give it greater stiffness.

Rivets 29 are preferably located on the springs 22, 23 so thatthe end portion 35 will be closely adjacent to thefront wheels when the brake beam is straight, and so that the end portion 30 may be brought into tight engagement with the wheels when the brake beam is bent backwardly.

The brake beam 2l is adapted to be actuated by a mechanismr which is shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4. This mechanism includes a connecting rod 35, which may take the form of a flat band of steel pivotally secured by rivet 36 to one flange of an angle bracket 3l, the other fiange of which is carried by rivet 23 on the brake beam.`

The opposite end of connecting rod or band 35 is pivotally secured by rivet 38 to the centrally located leg 39 of a pivotally mounted frame, indicated in its entirety by the numeral (lll. In order to avoid interference between connecting rod'35 and axle 20 (Fig. 1), the connecting rod is bent diagonally upward at 5l.

The frame 4G preferably comprises a pair of horizontalstraps of metal 42, i3 joined by the three legs 44,- d5, and 39,l and the two end legs 44, 45may comprise an integral part of transverse strap member 42. The endY legs 4d, #l5 are secured to strap member l5 by having laterally turned portions which are riveted at 46 to the band 40.

The legr39 may be made shorter than the legs 44, 45,and the sidel 42 may be caused to bend inward so as to form the frame with a pair of feet 162 at the right hand corners (Fig 3) for the bottom of the frame in Fig. 1. These corners are spaced from the floor or roadway a slight distance, such as a quarter of an inch, when the fr-ame is in the position of Fig. 1, so that the frame may serve as a guard against the upsetting of the vehicle by pivoting on the axle 20. Y v

A Vpairof tru'nnionsv 4', one at each end of the frame, are riveted in the end frame members 44, 45 'and pivotally mounted in angle brackets 47 carried bythe springs 22 and 23.

Brackets ll'l form bearings for the trunnions 46 and are riveted to the springs 22, 23 at a point rearwardly of the rear wheel axle 20. The frame 45 is thus pivotally mounted on the springs and adapted to swing downward to the position of Fig. 1, where it may also be utilized to supplement the brakes in holding the carriage in xed position.

In order to perform this function, the legs M, 45, and 39 need only to be slightly longer than the space beneath the springs 22, 23 and the roadway. The frame 53, however, is particularly adapted to be utilized in actuating the brake beam 2lv and to take from the wheel axles 2G, 2l the strain which would otherwise be placed upon them if they were used formounting the brake actuating mechanism. n V

Where such brake actuating mechanism is mounted upon a relatively slender brake axle to effect a bending, there is a tendency to bow the axle and cock the wheels inward at one end. This tendency is augmented when the brake beam` point 38 on leg 33, and the frame is adapted to be utilized to permit the location of foot pedals at any desired point; for example, in the preferred embodiment the frame l (Fig. 4) is pivotally connected by a rivet at 48 to a release lever 49 having a twisted extension 50 which serves as a foot pedal. The other end of the release lever 49 is pivotally connected by a rivet at 5! to a brake lever 52 (Fig. 3) which is pivotally mounted on the axle 2G.

The brake lever 52 and the lever 49 are covered at the point of their pivotal connection, rivet 5|, with a U-shaped stop member 53, which prevents them from passing beyond the position of Fig. 1.

vBrake lever 52 is pivotally mounted on the axle 2li by means of a U-shaped stirrup 503, having an aperture in each of its legs for receiving the axle 25. 'Ihe brake lever 52 `is xedly secured to the U-shaped member 5d by having its end riveted to one of the legs of ythe U-shaped member 55, having a pair of legs 55, and the brake lever 55 likewise has its end riveted to the opposite leg of the U-shaped member 54 by a pair of rivets. The legs of the U-shaped member 54 are disposed on opposite sides of the spring 22, and the yoke of the U-shaped member depends from the axle 20. y

Infeffect,lthe brake lever 52 and the brake pedal 56 move as one lever, but the brakelever 56 is disposed outside the spring, whereas the brake lever 52 is disposed inside of the spring 22. The brake lever 56 may be provided with an off-- set .at 5l and may extend rearwardly to a point behind the rear wheel, where it is turned laterally and twisted, to provide a horizontally extending end portion 58 for engagement with the foot.

The operation of the brake and its mechanism is as-follows: When the parts are in the position of Fig. 4, the brake is off, but the brake may be applied by merely stepping upon the lateral extension 58 of the brake pedal 56, which will cause the `brake pedal 56 to pivot in a clockwise direction on the yaxle 20. Due to the xed connection 54, 'between the brake pedal 55 and the lever 52, the lever 52 pivots simultaneously in the same direction, and the lever il@ moves the frame 40 downward, the frame lli pivoting in a counterclockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 4;. This downward movement of the frame 4S continues until it reaches the position of Fig. 1, where the lever 49 and brake pedal 52 have passed the position of alignment, and the release lever 2S extends slightly upward of the end of the brake pedal, as shown in Fig. 1.y

During this motion ofthe frame i0 the point of pivotalconnection 38 of the connecting rod CII fil)

35 to the leg 39 moves in an arc, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 1, and it will be noted that this point of pivotal connection 38 is slightly below the aXis Aof pivot 46 of the frame 40. 'Ihus the pivotal movement of the frame 40 exercises a pull on the connecting rod 35, which eiects a bending backward of the middle of the brake beam 21 and a bending forward of its ends 30.

The ends 36 or shoes of the brake beam engage the front wheels 26, and thus the brake is applied to the wheels. The brake beam 21 resists this movement of the frame 49 and resists the downward movement of the brake pedal 56 until the levers 524 and 49, parts of which act as a toggle, pass the dead center position; that is, the center of pivot (Fig. 1) passes to a point below the line of centers of the axle 2U and the aXis.

Thereafter the pull on the connecting rod 35 (Fig. 1) which is exerted by the bent brake beam 21, and the compression of the rubber on the wheels against the brake Shoe 39,' tends to pull the toggle 49, 52 down farther in Fig. l, but this is resisted by the U-shaped stop member 53, the yoke of which engages both of the levers 49, 52.

It should be noted that the `U-shaped stop member 53 is pivotally mounted on the rivet 5|. The brake may be released by merely pressing downward with the foot upon the brake release lever at the point 59. This causes af counterclockwise movement ofthe brake lever 49 on the pivot 48 and tends'to move the pivot 5I upward to brake the toggle.

As soon as 5l has passed the line of centers 48-20, the action of the brake beam moves the parts back to the position of Fig. 1.

The present brake mechanism has the advantage that it is positive, and without providing more than one brake beam it is possible to apply a braking force to the front wheels and also to utilize the frame member 40 to prevent tipping of the carriage. y

The brake pedals in the present brake mechanism may be arranged at the side of the vehicle, where they are most conveniently operated by the foot, and they may be located rearwardly of the rear axle at a point adjacent the rear end of the basket, so that the operator can see the brake pedal and brake release pedal, and need not move backward of the carriage to peer under it when actuating these levers.

The springs 22, 23 are provided at each end with a substantially cylindrical curled portion 60 adapted to serve as a trunnion for connecting the chassis to the frame of the vehicle.`

rIhe springs form a part of the collapsible mechanism of the vehicle, since they are connected by means of a plurality of pivotally mounted shackles 6i to the collapsible frame. Each spring has a pair of shackles pivotally connected to it by a rivet 62 passing through the cylindrical bearing 66 and riveted at each end.

Each shackle may consist` of a band of metal provided with an aperture at each end. When the carriage is in open position, as shown in Fig. 1, the shackles extend substantially' horizontally or slightly below the horizontal position, and thus they are enabled to provide a floating or springing action because a downward push on the inner end of the shackles tends to draw the springs '22, 23 together.

The springs are curved upwardly at 63 and 64 at each end, and the curved endl portion of the springs tends to be drawn inward by the shackles 6i. At the same time, the weight of the vehicle on the springs tends to bend downward that portionof the springs which is'between the curved parts` 63, 64 and the axles-2li, 2|. That portion of the springs between the axles tends to be bowed upward by the weight of the vehicle.

When the carriage is folded, the shackles 6l are adapted to pivot downward into-the curved portions of the springs, and the carriage is adapted to be collapsed into a smaller form because the folding frame occupies a space practically within the springs, as shown in Fig. 2.

The collapsible frame for the basket is identical in construction upon both sides of the carriage, and therefore only one need be described in detail. l

At the bottom of the carriage on each side there is a longitudinally extending framemember comprising a strap of steel "65, 66, which extends from the front of the vehicle at the rivet or pivotal point 61 to the rear of the vehicle, where it curves upwardly and terminates at the point 68.

The upper frame of the basket may comprise a U-shaped `wooden framemember 69, having two side portions and a back portion, which border the upper edge of the basket from the point 1l) forwardly on that side and across the front end and backwardly to a similar point on the other side of the carriage. The wooden frame member 69 may be substantially rectangular in cross section and provided with a rounded bead 1| projecting laterally therefrom, and it is adapted to serve as a support for the basket at this end of the carriage.

FiXedly secured on the lower side of the wooden frame 69 are a pairb of angle pivot brackets 12, 13 on each side, by means of suitable wood screws. Any suitable type of baby carriage top may be mounted at the point `14 on the frame 69 by being pivoted on a lug 14', which is slidably mounted in a U-shapedbracket 15 and secured by the spring pressed plunger 14 engaging `in a hole in the leg 14. v The rabbeted formation above the rib 1| on the wooden frame 69 serves to support the baby carriage top when it is folded downward against the wooden frame 69 and outside of the rectangular part of the frame.

`The upper frame of the carriage also comprises the forwardly extending steel straps 16, 11 on each side of the carriage and pivotally secured to the wooden frame 69 by the rivet 18 on angle bracket 12.

At-the rear end of the carriage the frame members 16, 11 are pivotally secured to a wooden rear end panel 19 by means of a rivet 80 on each side` of the carriage. The rear end panel` 19, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, serves as the end of the basket 8l, and also as a frame member for the frame of the basket.

The basket for thecarriagemember may consist of a box-like fabric container of suitable fabric, such as .an imitation leather, which is provided with the two sides, front end, and a bottom of such fabric. Adjacent the upper edge, around the frame 69, the basket 8l may be secured to the frame 69 on the inside of the frame, by suitable upholstery nails. At the forwardly extending frame members 16 and 11 the basket is provided with tubular stitched formation 82, through which the frame members 16, 11 extend toy ,support this part of the fabric basket.

f At the lower side of the wooden panel 19 the bottom of the basket 8| may be secured by suitable upholstery nails, and at the rear ends of the sides of the V`basket these sides may be secured-to the rear panel 19 by being bent about the edges of the panel 19 and fastened to the outside with a pair of clamping metal strips 83 and suitable nails or screws 84.

, Thus the basket 8| is adapted to hang from the upper frame 69, 16, 11 and 19, and the bottom of the basket may be provided with a plurality of cloth covered ber boards 85, 86, for the purpose of preventing the basket from bulging downward in the middle. The board 86 may also be supported by a pair of transverse frame members, comprising straps of steel 81, 88, each strap having its end riveted in an aperture in the frame member 65 and 66 and extending transversely of these frame members, beneath the board 86.

The upper frame of the carriage in turn is carried by the lower frame 65, 66 of the carriage, by means of a plurality of folding links orstruts 90, 9|, 92, 93. The link 90 is pivotally mounted on the wooden upper frame 69 by the rivet 94 on the angle bracket 13. At its lower end the strut 90 is pivotally mounted by the rivet 95 to the strut 9| `and the connecting link 9B. The lower'strut 9| is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends-by means of rivet 61 to the lower frame member 65 or 66 on each side, and also pivotally connected to a diagonally extending connecting link 91.

The lower `end of strut 9|, which extends beyond the rivet 61,` is xedly secured by riveting tothe end of a shackle rod 98, which extends through the pair of shackles 6| at the front end of the carriage, on each side, and is secured to a similar strut 9| on the other side of the carriage.

The shackles 6| are thus pivotally mounted on the shackle rod 98, and this end of the carriage is supported on the chassis, previously described.

The lengths of the link 90 and the link 9| between the pivots 94, 95 and 61 are proportioned in relation to the pivot of the basket so that the basket is supported with its bottom 99 just above the transverse frame members 81, 88.

The strut 92 on each side of the carriage is pivotally mounted to the angle bracket 12 by the rivet 18 at its upper end. At its lower end the strut 92 is pivotally connected to the strut 93 and to connecting link 96 by rivet |60. The strut 93 is pivotally connected at its lower end to the lower frame member 65 by the rivet |0|, and the strut '93 projects upward beyond the rivet |00 to provide an extension |02, which is utilized in effecting a folding of the collapsible framework.

The diagonal connecting link 91 has its upper end pivotally connected to the strut 92 by a rivet |03 on each side of the carriage. The connecting link 96 assures the folding of the struts 90, 9|, and 92, 93 in the same direction; that is, the pivots 95 and |00 must move together when the carriage is folded or opened. The diagonal connecting link 91 being pivotally connected at 61 to the lower frame, determines the arc of movement of the strut 92 at the point |03,- and thus causes the struts to fold downward to effect a vertical collapse of the basket 8|.

The basket 8| may also be provided with a cloth covered wooden panel |05, secured Iat its lower end by a piece of fabric |06 to the bottom, and adapted to be secured at its upper end by straps and snappers to the wooden frame 69.

The panel |05 serves as a back for holding the occupant in sitting position, the panel 86 then serving as the. seat; but, if desired, the length of the cloth strip |06 is such that the panel |05 may be doubled back over the panel 86 and laid flatly in the bottom of the basket 8|.

The rear end panel 19 of the basket comprises a substantially rectangular wooden member, the upper end f which may be slightly convexly curved and, as previously stated, this wooden member is pivotally secured to the upper frame membersv 16, 11 at the points 80. The frame members 16, 11, being pivotally mounted at 18, some means must be provided for supporting the free end of these frame members and the wooden panel 19 on the frame of the vehicle.

This means comprises a pair of metal straps |01, one adjacent each of the lateral edges of the wooden panel 19, and extending vertically thereof. Straps |01 are secured to the outside of the end panel 19 by wood screws |08, and each strap ls provided, as shown in. Figs. and 6, with a hook-shaped formation |09 at the top, and another one I0 at the bottom.

For this purpose-the strap |01 is bent outward and downward at the top, and also outward and downward at the bottom, as shown in Fig. 5. The frame members 65, 66 are supported on the chassis at the rear end of the carriage by means ci a lever at each side, the levers being pivotallymounted on frame members 65, 66 by rivet ||2.

The lever has lxedly secured at its lower end a shackle rod H3 riveted into lever at each end and passing through apertures in pairs of shackles 6| vat each side of the carriage.

The pairs of shackles 6| are thus pivotally secured to the lower end of levers which, as previously stated, are mounted on frame members 65, 66. This gives the rear end of the carriage a floating spring mounting similar to that describedwith respect to the front end of the carriage on the lower ends of the struts 9|.

The lever extends above its pivot ||2 in Fig. 1, and at its upper end is pivotally connected by rivet ||4 to a link H5. Link H5 has its opposite end pivotally connected by rivet H6 to one of the legs of handle ||1. This structure is likewise the same on both sides of the carriage.

The handle ||1 may comprise a tubular metal member of substantially U shape, the yoke of which is used for engagement with the hands, and the two legs of which extend downwardly at the rear end of the carriage.

The tubular metal member of which handle ||1 is composed has its legs flattened at I8 and riveted at ||9 to a steel strap |20 on each side, forming an extension of the handle.

The steel strap |20 extends downward and is provided with a curvature at |2|, similar to the curvature of the upwardly extending end 68 of each frame member 65, 66. This strap extension |20 of the handle terminates at the point |22, where the end of this extension is pivotally connected by rivet |23 to a bent connecting rod |24, which permits the handle to control the folding of the collapsible mechanism.

The connecting rods |24 may consist of steel straps, having a horizontal part |25 extending along the bottom of the carriage, and an upwardly extending part |26 extending upward adjacent the strut 93. The purpose of this bent :formation is to keep the side of the basket free of frame members at this point. The handle itself is pivotally mounted by means of a rivet |21 on each side of the carriage to the ends of the bottom frame members 65, 66.

It should be noted that rivet |21 is below rivet H6. f When the han'dle ||1"is pivoted in a clockwise direction, the link `||5 moves toward the right in Fig, 1 and pivots the lever in a clockwise direction. This is adapted to effect a downward foldingl of the shackles 6| at this end of the carriage when the carriage is collapsed.

The lower end` of the handle extension |20 moves in a clockwise direction at the rivet |23 and draws. the connecting .rod |24 toward the left in Fig. 1, to effect a collapse of the struts 92, 93, and 90, 9|.

The lower frame members 65, 66 are joined at the rear end ofthe carriage by a transversely extending rod |30, which is riveted into these frame members at each end to secure them in spaced relation to each other, and serve as a support for the rear end panel 19.v Part of this rod |30 is seen in Fig. 6, and it will be observed that the end panel 19 may be supported by means of the lower hooks ||0 on'the rod |30.

If desired, the end panelv 19 may be lifted by means of a suitable handle |3| at the top so that the hooks 0 are liftedoff the rod |30, and thereafter the panel may be pivoted inward until the hooks ||0 miss the rod |30 and permit it to drop until hooks |09 engage the rod |30, as shown in Fig. 5.

` During this motion of the end panel, the upper frame members 16, 11 pivot at 18, and the bottom 39 of the basket moves downward, slack in the fabric being taken up between the wooden panels and 86 to form what might be called a riser |32. Then the cloth covered panel 85 forms a step for supporting the feet while the occupant is in sitting position, upon the panel 86, which is used as the seat.

The rear end panel 19 may also be completely disengaged from the rod |30 and dropped into the space between the` frame members 65, 66, preliminary to the collapsing of the framework. The rear panel 19 is also preferably provided'at its upper inner side with a padded roll |33, to guard against injury of the occupant, and it may also be provided with a substantially rectangular aperture |34 (Fig. 6), which occupies the major portion of the area of the panel, i i

The aperture |34 is closed by a hinged door or panel |35, which is mounted on the rear panel 19 by hinges |36 at the bottom. The hinged panel |35 is connected to the rear end panel 19 at its sides and upper edge by means of a fabric bellows having the two fabric sides |31 and the curved end portion |38 stitched together and secured to panels 19 and |35 by suitable upholstery nails. This bellows extension |31,` |38 is adapted t0 fold into the door aperture |34, within which the pocket fabric |31, |38 is secured on the inner sid of the panel 19 so that the aperture |34 is left completely free of fab-ric when the door |35 is closed.

Bellows extensionll31, |38 is adapted to serve to provide an extension of the collapsible carriage which will permit a taller occupant to lie horizontally in theA carriagewith his feet and legs fully extended, or the bellows' extension may also be used as astorage space for merchandise, when the carriage is used on a'shopping tour.

The door |35 is secured in closed position `by means of a conventional cabinet latch |39 of the snap closing type, and the fabric pocket |31. |38 is prefolded or provided with suitably `formed folds so that it moves into the aperture |34 when the door |35 ispivoted to closed position.`

Theproportions of the springs, shackles, and

collapsible mechanism are such that when the mechanism is folded the springs` are relieved of tension and the shackles 6| ,fold down against the springs, as shown in Fig. 2, but when the collapsible frame is extended or opened, the curved portions 63, 64 ofthe springs are drawn inward and the springs `are tensioned. The springs tend, therefore, to cause a collapse of the mechanism, and the collapsible frame is preferably provided with means for holding it in open position.

This means may comprise a pair of pivoted latch bars |40 `(Fig. 1), comprising flat straps of metal, such as steel, which are pivotally mounted on the lower side frame members 65, 66 by the rivets |4I.

The latch bars |40.` are preferably provided with extensions` |60 projecting towar-d the right of the pivot |4| and adapted to engage stop rivets. ltcarried'by'frame members 65 and 66. The purpose of stop members .|60 and |6| is to hold latch bars l40adjacentthe latching position against the tensionjofgsprings |45. The rivet |6| is slightly spaced from the stop surface |60 when the latch bars |40 are latched.

The latch bars extend longitudinally of the frame members 65, 66 between the lever and the handle extension |20, and are provided with an olset adjacent the rivet |4| so that the latch bars maygbe pivotally mounted on the side frame members 65, 66, `but may be spaced laterally of the levers-i I, which are also directly mounted on frame members 65, 66.

`Each latch bar |40 `is provided with a downwardly curved end portionso that the treadle rod |42, which joins theselatch bars and is riveted at each end to one of them, may be spaced rearwardly of the ends of `the springs 22, 23.

The extremeend |43 of each latch bar may be turned inwardly to provide protection against sharp corners. `As the handle extension |20 and connecting rod |24 are disposed outwardly of the latch barsy |40 and links on the frame, they are provided withl offsets, as indicated by the shading at |44 and |44 to prevent interference between these levers,` the main parts of which are in different vertical planes.

The treadle -rod V|42 and latch bars |40 are urged upward in Fig. 1 by one or more, preferably two, coil spririgs |45, located at each side of the frame.

Coil springs |45 may have one end hooked over the treadle rod |42 and the other end hooked over the panel-supporting rod |30. In order to accomplish the latching function, each of the latching bars |40 sprovided with a latching groove or shoulder |46, which may take the form of a U-shaped groove of sufficient size to receive substantially all of a stud |41, which is carried by the ,handle extension |20. A section of the handle extension |20 and fof the vlatching bar |40 is shown in connection with Vthis latching stud .|41 in Fig..'1.` w t `-The latching stu v|41fcomprisesA a headed cylindrical member-provided with an annular `'shoulder fl 48` and with a 'reduced 'cylindrical por- -tion.` |49 thatis riveted into thehandle extension H-'Similar'latching studs are preferably provided" on both'sides of the frame on the `handle extentions` so that the tendency toward col- --lapsing of the vehicle, due to its weight and due to the action" of,` the springs 22, 23, is resisted at rear end panel-`19 should have its hooks 0 lifted ofi the rod |39, and the panel may be dropped without support or may be supported on its uppermost hooks |09.

The operation of the collapsible mechanism is asv follows:

The mechanism may be collapsed from the open position of Fig. 1 merely by placing the foot upon the treadle rod |42 and pushing downward. This is the most desirable manner of actuating such a member, as' it may be done with the bottom o f the sole of the shoe, so that there will be no damage to the shoe, as might be the case with levers which had to be pushed upward.

The same is true of the brake lever 56 and brake release lever 50, which are also both vactu-- ated by a downward push.

To collapse. the framework, a downward push on the treadle bar |42 will move the latching groove out-offengagement with the latching stud |41. Strictly speaking, it is the left hand side of the latching groove '|46 (Fig. 1) which prevents the pivotal movement of the handle ||1 on its pivot |21. The remainder of the groove |46 resists the` tension nof springs |45. The handle ||1 will then be'v moved in a clockwise direction on the pivot |21 by reason of the pull of the link l5 in a clockwise direction, which isY caused by the action of lever and the 'pull on shackle 6|, due to the springs 22, 23.

The weight of the collapsible framework'and basket also tends to cause this collapsing action and to impel the handle over from the position of Fig. l to that of Fig. 21. As the handle moves in this direction, the handle moves clockwise, its initial movement exerting a pull on connecting rods |24, which causes the struts 92, 93 and 90, 9|V to buckle or pivot at the points |00 and 95, toward the left in Fig. 1.

Both sets of struts must fold at the sarne time, and the uppermost struts 92 and 90 are compelled to vfold forward by the diagonally7 extending vconnecting link 91, which acts in the manner of a radius rod in combination with the wooden upper frame member 69.

It should be 'noted that while the radius rod 91 is connected Yonly to strut 92, the strut 9U is connected to strut 92 by means of the upper frame, 69, andfmust fold in a similar manner. :The folding of the struts 92, 93 and 90, 9| causes vthe upper frame 4members, 69, 16 and 11 to approach the lower frame members 65, 66.

The collapse of the framework of the carriage also causes a clockwise movement of the lever and ya counterclockwise movement of the lower 'extension of the strut 9|. This permits the Ashackles 5| to fold down against the curved portions 63, 64 of the springs, and this movement is also assisted by the weight of the upper portions after the rear `end panel 19 may be moved to the position of Fig. 1, if Vit is Adesired to-have the bottom ofthe basket horizontal, or it may be `moved to thepositionv of Fig. 5 if it is desired t0 lower the foot rest to use the carriage as a stroller.l

'Ihere is 'mattei intermediate-"position that may be utilized byy placing the lower hooks H0 on the shackle rod H3.

It shouldl also be noted that the rear end panel 19 may be utilized as the back of the carriage, providing for the back support of the occupant, while the cloth covered panel 85 is utilized as a seat. The carriage is also large enough to be utilized for twins, with one occupant facing the other, at each end of the carriage.

It will thus be observed that I have invented an improved collapsible carriage which is provided with a novel springing mechanism whereby a iioating springing action is secured and a much softer spring action is secured by means of the present shackle arrangement, with the use of relatively stiff springs, on account of the'relation between the shackles, the frame, and the springs. i

The springs of the vehicle are .also utilized for urging the collapsible mechanism to folded position, and the present vehicle, while spacious and comfortable in its extended position, may also be collapsed into a very small space because of the improved arrangement of its mechanism and springs.

The rear end panel is adjustable so that the carriage may be utilized either as a bed or a stroller, andthe extensible foot bellows provides for additional foot length or for storage of merchandise.

The new brake mechanism is positive and capable of ready application and release, as the controlling levers are arranged well to the rear of the vehicle, away from the rear axle, so that it is not necessary to step back and look under the vehicle to nd these brake-controlling levers.

The vehicle may be collapsed very quickly into a minimum amount of space and may be unfolded with equal facility and speed. There is no possibility of bending of the axles by the brake mechanism, as the brake mechanism is actuated by a separate, strong, transversely extending frame, capable of withstanding the forces that are applied to the brake beam.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modiiications may be made without departing from the spirit or" the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

VHaving thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: v 1. In a collapsible baby carriage, the combination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for co-nnecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with `depending levers, a supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springs and depending levers, said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mechanism is extended.

l2. In a collapsible baby carriage, the combination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for lconnecting said frames, vsaid collapsible mechanism 4being provided with depending levers, a supporting chassis includingv a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting'said d springs and depending levers, said dependingk levers and shackles being arranged to fold the shackles downward against the springs when the collapsible mechanism is folded.

3. In a collapsible baby carriage, the com,- bination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for connecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with depending levers, a` supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springs and depending levers, said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mechanism is extended, said collapsible mechanism comprising two pairs of links having pivotal points located at similar points, said pairs being pivoted together and pivoted to the upper and lower frames, means for connecting the points of said links where they are pivoted together to move simultaneously in the same direction,`and means connected to a handle and to one of said pairs of links for 'effecting a folding of the collapsible mechanism when the handle is moved v in a predetermined direction.

4. In a collapsible baby carriage, the combination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for connecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with depending levers, a supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springsl and depending levers, said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mechanism is extended, said collapsible mechanism comprising two pairs of links having pivotal points located at similar points, said pairs being pivoted together and pivoted to the upper and lower frames, means for connecting the points of said links where they are pivoted together to move simultaneously in the same direction, means connected to a handle and to one of said pairs of links for effecting a folding of the collapsible mechanism when the handle is moved in a predetermined direction, latching means on each side of the lower frame for holding the framework in extended position, and a transverse bar connecting said latching means, whereby they may be simultaneously actuated by engagement with the bar.

5. In a collapsible baby carriage, the combination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for connecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with depending levers, a supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springs and depending levers,

said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mecha- `nism is extended, said upper frame including a substantially U-shaped frame member and a pair of longitudinally extending upper rails pivoted thereto, and a basket suspended from said rails and, U-shaped frame member, said basket having a rigid end member secured to said rails.

6. In a collapsible baby carriage, the cornbination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for connecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with depending levers, a supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springs and depending levers, said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mechanism is extended, said upper frame including a substantially U-shaped frame member and a pair of longitudinally extending upper rails pivoted thereto, and a basket suspended from said rails and U-shaped frame member, said basket having a rigid end member secured to said rails, said rigid end member having a pair of downwardly open hooks and a transverse frame member' carried by the lower frame member and supporting said hooks to provide a support for said rigid end member;

7. In a collapsible baby carriage, the combination of upper and lower frames with collapsible mechanism for connecting said frames, said collapsible mechanism being provided with depending levers, a supporting chassis including a plurality of wheels and having laterally and upwardly extending springs, and spring shackles connecting said springs and depending levers, said springs being tensioned by means of said shackles and levers when said collapsible mechanism is extended, said upper frame including a substantially U-shaped frame member and a pair of longitudinally extending upper rails pivoted thereto, and a basket suspended from said rails and U-shaped frame member, said basket having a rigid end member secured to said rails, said rigid end member having a pair of downwardly open hooks and a transverse frame member carried by the lower frame member and supporting said hooks to provide a support for said rigid end member, said rails being pivotally secured to said rigid end member, and said rigid end member having another pair of said hooks, the hooks being located at diierent elevations, whereby the rigid end member may be supported with the bottom of the basket in horizontal position or the bottom` adjacent said rigid member in position for a foot well.-

ABRAHAM G. FELDMAN. 

